Chapter 27
Rowan
I ’ve never been so nervous to walk through a door in my life. Well... maybe not n ever . But this is up there. Top five, easily.
I step through the private entrance at 30 Hudson Yards, badge clipped to my lapel like I belong here. Like I’m not walking into a dream that could still vanish with one wrong move. The lobby is sleek, all soft light and clean marble, but my pulse drums loud enough in my ears to drown it out.
Massimo is already waiting for me near the private elevator, of course he is, in a sharp charcoal suit and that signature calm he wears like armor. His smile is warm, but there’s something in his eyes that makes my breath hitch.
“Buongiorno, cuore mio,” he murmurs, leaning in to press a kiss to my cheek. “Ready for your first day?”
No. Yes. Maybe.
I nervously blurt out, “Do I get a title, or are we just winging it?”
He smirks, gesturing for me to step into the elevator with him. “Creative Director of Omega Interiors. It’s a new division, focused on nesting design, scent-integrated materials, and curated sensory experiences for Omega spaces.”
My brows shoot up. “You made me a whole department?”
“We made you a department,” he says gently, pressing the button for the hundredth floor. “And we’ve already had interest from two high-end clients asking about your custom nesting designs.”
The elevator doors slide open, and my breath catches. My office is at the end of a wide, sunlit hallway, past departments bustling with beautifully dressed staff and curated product displays. But it’s my name on the frosted glass in gilded lettering: Rowan Hart: Creative Director, Omega Interiors
Massimo opens the door for me, and I step inside. It’s stunning.
Soft neutral tones with warm honey wood accents. Plush ivory armchairs flank a curved desk crafted from matte gold and pale stone. A gallery wall features framed images from my ClipStream: screen captures of nests I’ve made, moments that changed everything. One wall is floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the skyline, and another holds a built-in scent wall. Glass jars of dried florals, spiced fabrics, textures for mood-boarding.
There’s even a private design alcove in the back with mood lighting and a velvet sofa, perfect for sketching or curling up during late nights. My desk is already stocked with pastel pens, creamy paper, and a state-of-the-art touch tablet. There’s a framed photo of my first viral nest post on the console behind it.
I blink, stunned. “You had people working all weekend.”
Massimo doesn’t deny it. “You deserve a space that reflects who you are. And the team wanted to make sure it was perfect.”
“Team?” I echo.
The office door opens behind us. A tall woman in a caramel-colored blouse and high-waisted cream trousers enters with a digital planner in one hand and an effortlessly confident smile.
“This is Brynn,” Massimo says. “Your assistant.”
“Executive assistant,” she adds with a wink, holding out her hand. “Brynn West. I’ve been briefed, caffeinated, and I’m ready to make your life easier, Ms. Hart.”
I shake her hand, still stunned. “Rowan. Please.”
This is real. This is happening. And it’s only my first day.
Brynn leads the way, heels tapping confidently on the polished floor as I trail behind, trying to look composed instead of completely overwhelmed. Massimo follows a step behind me, radiating that quiet power he wears so well.
We pass several sleek glass offices before stopping at a double door marked Omega Interiors – Creative Division. When Brynn opens it, I catch my breath.
The space is open-concept and filled with natural light. Large workstations are arranged in soft curves rather than hard lines, already a nod to nesting instincts. There are samples of fabrics, textures, and scent capsules organized by color and season. Mood boards line one wall, some empty and ready for inspiration, others filled with sketches and printouts from my videos.
“Team,” Brynn calls out, and half a dozen heads turn. “Meet Rowan Hart, our new Creative Director.”
They rise to their feet, smiling. Some are curious, some a little starstruck. One woman whispers that’s her to the person beside her.
I swallow hard and give a nervous smile. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you all.”
Brynn begins introductions.
“This is Clara, head of textile research. She’s the one who’s been sourcing hypoallergenic silks and scent-absorbing weaves.”
Clara is petite and sharp-eyed, her auburn hair pulled into a chic topknot. She offers a firm handshake. “I’ve followed your nesting videos for years. You changed the way I think about layers and thermal balance.”
My eyes widen. “That’s... wow. Thank you.”
“This is Nico, our scent integration lead,” Massimo says, gesturing toward the man with a neat undercut and warm brown eyes behind rimless glasses. He offers me a polite smile and a nod.
“Rowan Hart,” I say, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. I’ve heard a lot about your work,” Nico replies, his voice smooth and professional. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we can collaborate.”
“He’s brilliant,” Massimo adds. “If there’s a way to translate emotional scent memory into product design, Nico will find it.”
Nico shrugs modestly, but there’s quiet confidence in the way he carries himself. “It’s all about the details. The way scent layers with texture, tone, and color tells a story. And from what I’ve seen, you’re already fluent in that language.”
A flutter of pride stirs in my chest, and I smile. “Thank you. I hope we can do something really special together.”
Massimo leads me to the next introduction, but not before Nico gives me a thoughtful look, like he’s already planning something intricate and creative.
“This is Lila Chen textile development and materials specialist. She’s a genius with texture and layering.”
Lila flashes me a quick smile, her dark bob tucked behind one ear. “If you ever need something custom-woven or hand-dyed, I’m your girl.”
“Next, we’ve got Ayo Adeyemi, structural design. He’s the reason everything holds together, both literally and metaphorically.”
Ayo offers a firm handshake and a grin. “If you can dream it, I can build it. Challenge me.”
“And finally,” Massimo says as we stop at a workstation filled with sample palettes and mood boards, “this is Priya Sharma, product development. She keeps us all on track and makes sure every crazy idea gets to market.”
Priya gives a mock salute. “I also make the best coffee on this floor. Come find me if you ever need a break.”
I glance around the room Nico, Lila, Ayo, Priya. They're already working in sync, creative energy flowing in every direction. And somehow, now I’m a part of this team.